South Carolina assistant head coach/assistant coach defense Ellis Johnson was introduced Tuesday as Southern Miss' head coach. The news was first reported by the Hattiesburg American.

Johnson replaces Larry Fedora, who left to be head coach at North Carolina after four seasons at Southern Miss.

Johnson has been a head coach at The Citadel (2001-03) and Gardner Webb (1983), while serving as defensive coordinator at Appalachian State (1984), Southern Miss (1988-89), Clemson (1995-96), Alabama (1997-00) and Mississippi State (2004-07) before joining Steve Spurrier’s staff at South Carolina. Johnson was responsible for calling the defense while at South Carolina.

Southern Miss grad Brett Favre even likes the hire.

"Ellis is a great coach with a winning resume who knows Golden Eagle football and its fan base," Favre said in a statement released by the university. "I'm confident Coach Johnson will do a great job."

According to the newspaper, Johnson interviewed for the Southern Miss position last week in Atlanta and again Monday in Hattiesburg with school president Martha Saunders.

Former University of Arizona head coach Mike Stoops has an interest in replacing Johnson at South Carolina, The State of Columbia, S.C. reports.